Medha Patkar assaulted and arrested during protest

Mumbai, March 8: Social activist Medha Patkar was arrested on Thursday for protesting against the demolition of slums in suburban Mumbai. Along with her 20 others were also arrested. According to media reports, the protesters were beaten up in front of the police. They were allegedly beaten up by goons from Shivalik Builders, the developer in the Golibar redevelopment scheme. The incident took place in Golibar in Khar in suburban Mumbai.

The Bombay High Court had given a verdict that the residents who have been affected must be aided in relocating to 'good transit camps'. They were given instructions to "register the individual agreements."

However, according to the residents, the builders have violated the orders of the court. They even alleged that the demolition drive went on in the presence of officials from the government.

Sumit Wajale, who is an activist from the National Alliance of People's Movement (NAPM) was quoted in The Hindu saying that the police, along with goons, made sure that nobody protested against the demolition. "They illegally demolished 10 houses today (Thursday), disrespecting the High Court order. The police supported them, while bouncers attacked the protesters," he said.

According to the Ambewadi residents, they have not received any demolition notices and were taken aback when they saw the a squad who had come for the demolition work.

Medha Patkar who was part of the protest was assaulted by the police. According to an eye-witness she was later taken to Nirmal Nagar police station.